The Titans are now the best team in the AFC South.
Okay everyone, say it with me. The Tennessee Titans are the best team in the AFC South now and a top-5 team going forward in the NFL. If everything pans out and Randy Moss puts on a Titans jersey, he is going to do things for that team that will elevate them. Yes, I'm assuming his personality will relax a bit and he won't be a troublemaker. But I think he's looking for a good fit, a team that's going to win, and I highly doubt Jeff Fisher is going to take any crap - after all this is a guy who went to the nightclub where Kenny Britt had his little fiasco personally to investigate.
You gotta think Fisher and the Titans are grinning like the Cheshire Cat right now, because they just stole a guy who alters how other teams have to defend them. Suddenly, a safety has to pull back on Moss every play, just like they did while he was a Viking. This is going to open up tons of underneath stuff for Bo Scaife and lots of running room for Chris Johnson, as well as peel some coverage off of emerging young star Kenny Britt.
But Moss has to be happy knowing he won't get a lot of deep shots here - Vince Young is not a deep-ball quarterback and never will be. But I also think Moss has to respect that he's getting a shot here with a winning team that has a sound foundation for next year, too. This is a team with a top-10 defense, a mobile quarterback that defenses have to respect and a top-5 RB. He has a good complement in Kenny Britt. This is a good match. Moss would truly be a fool to squander this opportunity, which could very possibly be his last with a championship-caliber team. And mark my words, with Moss on their roster, the Titans are exactly that.
Oh, and remember that the Titans are on their bye this week - which gives them a week and a half to acclimate Moss to their locker room and their game plan. Brilliant move, Titans. It couldn't have worked out better for you. Unless, of course, Moss implodes for a third time this season... but I'll be honest - I think this is a good fit and I don't see it happening. Great move, should be a good fit, could make a big difference come playoff time.
That other waiver wire move...
The Bills picked up Shawne Merriman off waivers. I have to wonder how motivated he'll be to play for a winless team. But my biggest wonder is this - how good is he now? Merriman's play tapered off significantly as he took injury after injury. He hasn't had a wholly productive season in a couple years. Is he the same player? If so, and he shows up to Buffalo, then he could help give the Bills a boost for a team that's been so close in their last two losses.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota...
Sidney Rice came off the PUP list and is reportedly practicing with the team. I heard one report saying he could play as early as this weekend, but I doubt it. Make no mistake, though, the Vikings need him back. When their backup plan for Moss is Hank Baskett, they're hurting for Rice's return. But rushing him back could be detrimental in the long-run. But then again, when in the last two years have the Vikings paid heed to any sort of functional long-term plan?
While I'm at it, I'm going to tell you all what the Vikings ought to do as of yesterday, to help get this franchise straightened out, because make no mistake, they are in total disarray and I don't see a single sign telling me they're pulling out of this tailspin, because the two main problems are still there.
1) Fire Brad Childress. Now. He's sacrificed too much for the Brett Favre Experiment and the way he handled this Moss thing is just embarrassing. If you're a fan, you don't like him. If you're a player, I don't see how you can trust him. He's not fostering a good locker room.
2) Make Leslie Frazier interim head coach. This is not a talentless team, but they're certainly not playing to their talent. They can still recover some this year. Frazier is sought after every year for head coaching gigs - give him a shot here before he gets a chance to depart. He knows the players and he has the locker room. Give him a shot and if it works out, offer him the job permanently for 2011 and on.
3) Cut Brett Favre. He's not going to be there next season and, let's be honest, this season is over for the Vikings. They are not a playoff team. And if they're not winning a championship this year, there is ZERO reason for Favre to be on the field, because all he does is hold back younger players developing at the position.
4) With Favre cut, install Tavaris Jackson as QB for the rest of the season. Give him his shot. If he plays well and works out, great, continue. If not, then let your new coach get a new QB to go with him moving forward.
Make no mistake - if not now, the Vikings will be a rebuilding team next year, even if only a short-term rebuilding team. But they can do a lot of the footwork for it during the rest of this season if they accept reality now, and it'll put them in a better position to start the next year. Of course, all this would have been avoided if they had just not pursued Favre, but that's said and done now...
There are Lions on TV!
So, watching some sports shows this afternoon, I saw two Lions players on TV - I saw Matthew Stafford on Jim Rome's show and I saw Ndamukong Suh on Pardon The Interruption. Stafford looked a little intimidated - he went a long time without blinking, as far as I was watching, and didn't really show a lot of emotion or voice inflection. He is a smart kid though, you can hear it in how he talks about the game. I believe he's probably more laid back off TV, but I was hoping the kid would be a little more loose than that, especially with a guy like Rome. Suh, meanwhile, looked pretty relaxed on PTI, even laughing when they brought up his attempt to decapitate Jake Delhomme in the preseason. He gave smart responses and smiled and laughed a lot (and he blinked at a normal rate). While I like Stafford a lot, I have to say that Suh is one of the most polished rookies I've ever seen - both on the field and off of it. He just knows how to carry himself and I have a lot of respect for the young man for it... and it helps give me hope for the Lions going forward.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
This is how to start November...!
Gotta start with the Vikings...
I was going to try and think of a catchy title for this, but decided not to do that to Vikings fans who read this. I'm not even sure where to begin. For those who haven't noticed, the Viking waived - that is to say, cut - Randy Moss today. When Randy said, four weeks ago, "Get your 84 jerseys out, this'll be a fun ride," I'm pretty sure this isn't what he expected (although, admittedly, this is pretty unique). Moss was somewhat critical, in his own rambling way after the 28-18 loss to his former team, the Patriots. And I doubt his sheer adoration for the Patriots (sounds like a guy who just broke up with a girl only to realize he wants her back) was probably going to sit fantastically in the locker room. But do you cut the guy? After all, Childress himself said some fairly critical back-handed things about Favre the week before. And Moss makes (er, made) the Vikings a better team - that vertical threat opened up space for Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe. Every Vikings fan I know - and I agree - has noted that Harvin seemed to really blossom with Moss in the lineup. I figured if there was anywhere Moss would be happy to play second-fiddle and help mentor young guys, it'd be back on his first team, the Vikings. I wanted to see the guy retire in purple and gold.
Someone will pick up Moss, because he makes most teams better. I think his actions recently shorten that list though - for example, I could see the Rams or Panthers being interested in a top-flight WR, but I don't see either wanting a combustible personality burdening their young quarterbacks. I think San Diego makes a lot of sense for him, as a team full of tall WRs who could use some help with Vincent Jackson unhappy and still-suspended as well as Malcolm Floyd hurt. I could see Rivers and Moss making some good music together.
So, if Moss was productive - even without catching passes, by opening up space - why was he cut by the Vikings? I've been a vocal opponent to the Brett Favre moves of the Vikings, something I think has set the long-term potential of the franchise back by at least three years, if not more, as they've neglected to develop a young quarterback behind him. But I think Brad Childress is as much of the problem. It's clear that there's ego-friction between Favre and Childress - something that only manifests tangibly when the Vikings are losing, which is more now than it was a year ago. Which makes me wonder if this was a way of Childress to lash out at an available, ready-made target. Moss spoke out against Chilly and now, suddenly, he's gone. This says to me that it is the only move, a move born of frustration and probably some anger, this lame-duck coach can make, because he's hitched himself to Favre and he knows as well as anyone else that he's subject to Favre's whims because he let Favre's whims take precedence over establishing a strong sense of authority (see: no-show for training camp, but that's okay).
I don't understand it, though. All it does is prove that this Vikings fiasco is soaring to new heights - this is dysfunction in high form, from which I don't think they can recover. I predicted earlier this offseason that one of two teams would collapse - either the Vikings or Jets. Looks like, so far, I was right, but this has far exceeded my expectations.
How about those Lions? And, hey, is that Rex Grossman?
It's too bad that, nationally, the Lions victory over Washington is getting more attention because of Mike Shanahan's mind-boggling move to remove a healthy Donovan McNabb for Rex Grossman than it is for the Lions playing a very good football game. But we'll start with the McNabb stuff. The true mark of a good quarterback is his ability to make a 4th-quarter comeback, or lead a 2-minute drill. That Shanahan pulled McNabb with the game on the line, in the last two minutes, speaks volumes. McNabb will not be a Redskin next year. That's what it says to me.
Meanwhile, the Lions had a dominating performance. The defensive line chalked up 6 sacks and had constant pressure on McNabb. The secondary, while still nothing great, has found a gem in cornerback Alphonso Smith, who had another interception in this game and dropped another one that would have gone for a TD. Suh continues to lead the way in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race. Meanwhile, after throwing an early pick, young Matthew Stafford bounced back and ended up with 4 TDs on the day - 3 to Calvin Johnson and 1 to Brandon Pettigrew. Also, the run game found some balance, with Kevin Smith and Jahvid Best combining for roughly 100 yards on roughly 25 carries. That's what you want to see from this team. Better yet is the ball in Stafford's hands on 4th-and-1, game on the line, slinging a dart to Calvin for his last TD of the game. This wasn't just a win, but a gut-check win that the Lions won in clutch fashion. These are the kinds of games that the Lions used to be a lock to lose. These hungry, new-look Lions won it. This is a new team that's looking down that corner and starting to turn it. You can't overlook them on your schedule anymore - on any given Sunday, I truly believe they can beat any team in the NFL.
That punter must have some really big, really brass ones...
I have mixed feelings about the Jets punter going for it on 4th and 18. Did anyone else catch Rex Ryan's post-game press conference? The punter has the authority to go for it at his own discretion when he sees a good opening, but Rex chuckled and goes "I never thought he'd do it on 4th and 18..." A good moment, there. Credit to the guy for almost making it and having the brass big ones to make that call, but wow.
As for the Jets, though, I have to argue that the Packers really just demonstrated a blueprint on how to beat them, and Clay Matthews summed it up in one sentence: "We put the ball in Sanchez's hands." It's a bad thing when a defense realizes that their chance of winning goes up if they force your franchise quarterback to have to make plays. I've thought this about Sanchez for some time - that he's a very efficient game manager type of quarterback, who is reliable to protect a lead and take care of the ball. But when the game is on the line, when he's called upon to make a play, he's not the guy I want. And sure, you can say his receivers dropped a ton of balls in that game, but it still doesn't erase the lack of clutch credit on Sanchez's resume so far. While he may be looking more and more polished up to now, it just makes me happy that the Lions took the right guy at #1 in the '09 draft - the guy who can make that game-winning, clutch play when the ball is in his hands.
Final note....
Who knew that the Chiefs/Raiders game coming up in Week 9 would end up being a game that is going to have a huge impact, potentially, on the AFC West race? Both of these teams look far more credible than either the Chargers or woeful Broncos. Kudos to both of them. Tom Cable - I am not joking here - is my vote for Coach of the Year right now. It's taken time, but he's had to go back and forth through hell and adversity to get this team where it is now and many people called for his head multiple times along the way. Good for you, Cable Guy. Good for you, Al Davis, for sticking with him.
I was going to try and think of a catchy title for this, but decided not to do that to Vikings fans who read this. I'm not even sure where to begin. For those who haven't noticed, the Viking waived - that is to say, cut - Randy Moss today. When Randy said, four weeks ago, "Get your 84 jerseys out, this'll be a fun ride," I'm pretty sure this isn't what he expected (although, admittedly, this is pretty unique). Moss was somewhat critical, in his own rambling way after the 28-18 loss to his former team, the Patriots. And I doubt his sheer adoration for the Patriots (sounds like a guy who just broke up with a girl only to realize he wants her back) was probably going to sit fantastically in the locker room. But do you cut the guy? After all, Childress himself said some fairly critical back-handed things about Favre the week before. And Moss makes (er, made) the Vikings a better team - that vertical threat opened up space for Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe. Every Vikings fan I know - and I agree - has noted that Harvin seemed to really blossom with Moss in the lineup. I figured if there was anywhere Moss would be happy to play second-fiddle and help mentor young guys, it'd be back on his first team, the Vikings. I wanted to see the guy retire in purple and gold.
Someone will pick up Moss, because he makes most teams better. I think his actions recently shorten that list though - for example, I could see the Rams or Panthers being interested in a top-flight WR, but I don't see either wanting a combustible personality burdening their young quarterbacks. I think San Diego makes a lot of sense for him, as a team full of tall WRs who could use some help with Vincent Jackson unhappy and still-suspended as well as Malcolm Floyd hurt. I could see Rivers and Moss making some good music together.
So, if Moss was productive - even without catching passes, by opening up space - why was he cut by the Vikings? I've been a vocal opponent to the Brett Favre moves of the Vikings, something I think has set the long-term potential of the franchise back by at least three years, if not more, as they've neglected to develop a young quarterback behind him. But I think Brad Childress is as much of the problem. It's clear that there's ego-friction between Favre and Childress - something that only manifests tangibly when the Vikings are losing, which is more now than it was a year ago. Which makes me wonder if this was a way of Childress to lash out at an available, ready-made target. Moss spoke out against Chilly and now, suddenly, he's gone. This says to me that it is the only move, a move born of frustration and probably some anger, this lame-duck coach can make, because he's hitched himself to Favre and he knows as well as anyone else that he's subject to Favre's whims because he let Favre's whims take precedence over establishing a strong sense of authority (see: no-show for training camp, but that's okay).
I don't understand it, though. All it does is prove that this Vikings fiasco is soaring to new heights - this is dysfunction in high form, from which I don't think they can recover. I predicted earlier this offseason that one of two teams would collapse - either the Vikings or Jets. Looks like, so far, I was right, but this has far exceeded my expectations.
How about those Lions? And, hey, is that Rex Grossman?
It's too bad that, nationally, the Lions victory over Washington is getting more attention because of Mike Shanahan's mind-boggling move to remove a healthy Donovan McNabb for Rex Grossman than it is for the Lions playing a very good football game. But we'll start with the McNabb stuff. The true mark of a good quarterback is his ability to make a 4th-quarter comeback, or lead a 2-minute drill. That Shanahan pulled McNabb with the game on the line, in the last two minutes, speaks volumes. McNabb will not be a Redskin next year. That's what it says to me.
Meanwhile, the Lions had a dominating performance. The defensive line chalked up 6 sacks and had constant pressure on McNabb. The secondary, while still nothing great, has found a gem in cornerback Alphonso Smith, who had another interception in this game and dropped another one that would have gone for a TD. Suh continues to lead the way in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race. Meanwhile, after throwing an early pick, young Matthew Stafford bounced back and ended up with 4 TDs on the day - 3 to Calvin Johnson and 1 to Brandon Pettigrew. Also, the run game found some balance, with Kevin Smith and Jahvid Best combining for roughly 100 yards on roughly 25 carries. That's what you want to see from this team. Better yet is the ball in Stafford's hands on 4th-and-1, game on the line, slinging a dart to Calvin for his last TD of the game. This wasn't just a win, but a gut-check win that the Lions won in clutch fashion. These are the kinds of games that the Lions used to be a lock to lose. These hungry, new-look Lions won it. This is a new team that's looking down that corner and starting to turn it. You can't overlook them on your schedule anymore - on any given Sunday, I truly believe they can beat any team in the NFL.
That punter must have some really big, really brass ones...
I have mixed feelings about the Jets punter going for it on 4th and 18. Did anyone else catch Rex Ryan's post-game press conference? The punter has the authority to go for it at his own discretion when he sees a good opening, but Rex chuckled and goes "I never thought he'd do it on 4th and 18..." A good moment, there. Credit to the guy for almost making it and having the brass big ones to make that call, but wow.
As for the Jets, though, I have to argue that the Packers really just demonstrated a blueprint on how to beat them, and Clay Matthews summed it up in one sentence: "We put the ball in Sanchez's hands." It's a bad thing when a defense realizes that their chance of winning goes up if they force your franchise quarterback to have to make plays. I've thought this about Sanchez for some time - that he's a very efficient game manager type of quarterback, who is reliable to protect a lead and take care of the ball. But when the game is on the line, when he's called upon to make a play, he's not the guy I want. And sure, you can say his receivers dropped a ton of balls in that game, but it still doesn't erase the lack of clutch credit on Sanchez's resume so far. While he may be looking more and more polished up to now, it just makes me happy that the Lions took the right guy at #1 in the '09 draft - the guy who can make that game-winning, clutch play when the ball is in his hands.
Final note....
Who knew that the Chiefs/Raiders game coming up in Week 9 would end up being a game that is going to have a huge impact, potentially, on the AFC West race? Both of these teams look far more credible than either the Chargers or woeful Broncos. Kudos to both of them. Tom Cable - I am not joking here - is my vote for Coach of the Year right now. It's taken time, but he's had to go back and forth through hell and adversity to get this team where it is now and many people called for his head multiple times along the way. Good for you, Cable Guy. Good for you, Al Davis, for sticking with him.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 8
I was 10-4 last week, which moves me up to 64-40 on the year so far.
Winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Miami (3-3) @ Cincinnati (2-4)
Jacksonville (3-4) @ Dallas (1-5)
Washington (4-3) @ Detroit (1-5)
Buffalo (0-6) @ Kansas City (4-2)
Carolina (1-5) @ St. Louis (3-4)
Green Bay (4-3) @ NY Jets (5-1)
Denver (2-5) @ San Francisco (1-6)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Tennessee (5-2) @ San Diego (2-5)
Tampa Bay (4-2) @ Arizona (3-3)
Minnesota (2-4) @ New England (5-1)
Seattle (4-2) @ Oakland (3-4)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (5-1) @ New Orleans (4-3)
Monday Night -
Houston (4-2) @ Indianapolis (4-2)
Byes: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, NY Giants, Philadelphia
A good slate of games this week. A few must-wins scattered about, though. I believe Detroit has to beat Washington this weekend to establish any kind of credibility going forward - I believe they can, but it might be difficult as the offense adjusts to having Matthew Stafford under center again. I believe Indianapolis has to beat Houston, much like Houston had to beat them in Week 1. If Indianapolis loses another division game, that'll sink their in-division record and really hurt them when the playoff race heats up. Minnesota and San Diego look to get wins, but both are playing superior teams and I see both falling to 2-6. Cincinnati is a train wreck (who woulda thunk it, with TO and Ochocinco there...) and has to face a resilient Miami team that was victimized by the worst call of the week last week. I like Dallas to beat Jacksonville this week. Jon Kitna or not, if they can't beat Jacksonville at home this week, who can they beat going forward?
Winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Miami (3-3) @ Cincinnati (2-4)
Jacksonville (3-4) @ Dallas (1-5)
Washington (4-3) @ Detroit (1-5)
Buffalo (0-6) @ Kansas City (4-2)
Carolina (1-5) @ St. Louis (3-4)
Green Bay (4-3) @ NY Jets (5-1)
Denver (2-5) @ San Francisco (1-6)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Tennessee (5-2) @ San Diego (2-5)
Tampa Bay (4-2) @ Arizona (3-3)
Minnesota (2-4) @ New England (5-1)
Seattle (4-2) @ Oakland (3-4)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (5-1) @ New Orleans (4-3)
Monday Night -
Houston (4-2) @ Indianapolis (4-2)
Byes: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, NY Giants, Philadelphia
A good slate of games this week. A few must-wins scattered about, though. I believe Detroit has to beat Washington this weekend to establish any kind of credibility going forward - I believe they can, but it might be difficult as the offense adjusts to having Matthew Stafford under center again. I believe Indianapolis has to beat Houston, much like Houston had to beat them in Week 1. If Indianapolis loses another division game, that'll sink their in-division record and really hurt them when the playoff race heats up. Minnesota and San Diego look to get wins, but both are playing superior teams and I see both falling to 2-6. Cincinnati is a train wreck (who woulda thunk it, with TO and Ochocinco there...) and has to face a resilient Miami team that was victimized by the worst call of the week last week. I like Dallas to beat Jacksonville this week. Jon Kitna or not, if they can't beat Jacksonville at home this week, who can they beat going forward?
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Penultimate Weekend of October...
Let's start with the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings fans should be going after the head of Brad Childress. I've said it since I started living here - "The Tiny General", as a friend of mine refers to him, is not a good coach. He is a systematic coach. As long as the system is working, he looks fine. But when the system cracks or breaks down, he looks like he's at a total loss. At least he was fiery enough after the game to call out Favre, who is playing like a senior citizen. But let's take a look at what I thought was a critical moment in that game, moreso than all three of Favre's picks - and don't get me wrong, I love to villainize Favre at this point in his prolonged career, but he did not break this game to me. But when Childress hung it up with 20 seconds left in the 2nd quarter and 2 timeouts, I thought he gave up the game. In the immortal words of Herm Edwards - "Helloooooo! You play to win the game!" Brad Childress did not play to win the game. You do not give up at the end of the 2nd quarter, not when you have a quarterback who, senior citizen or not, still has a cannon and can throw it up to Randy Moss or Percy Harvin. When you hang it up right there and then, it tells me that you're afraid. It says you don't trust your offense. It says you're not playing to win. It says you're in damage control. Watching Pardon the Interruption today, Michael Wilbon was after Childress and said that if he ran the Vikings, Childress is in his office today and he's telling him that if he ever gives up on a drive like that, he's fired. I can't agree more. What stuns me right now is that the rest of the national media is overlooking this and instead feeding the attention-monger that is Brett Favre. Who is, by the way, as washed up as I've ever thought he is. I can't believe he's happy to be back this season at this point. If the Vikings want to win, they need to bring in T-Jack now and see what he's got, because beyond Childress's inane play-calling, Favre is making too many mistakes at critical moments.
In other coaching news, someone needs to slap Mike Singletary with some reality. I want to like him. I want to see him succeed. He was a great player and I think he could be a good coach. But he's starting to remind me of Rod Marinelli in the 2008 Lions 0-16 campaign. Every week, the same mantra to the press and every week, the same sad result on the field. For him to declare, after losing to the Carolina Panthers, that the 49ers could still make the playoffs, is a statement so steeped in denial that it just blew me away. It might be mathematically true, but that's the case for the Browns, Lions and Panthers too - but their coaches know what they're working with. And while you never want to publicly give up, you still can't pretend things are something they're not. And if you keep losing and keep coming out and saying the same thing, it tells me that you're out of ideas, you're out of tools and you're probably out of a job at the end of the season. Like Marinelli, I think Singletary will make a great LB coach (as he was in San Francisco) or, hopefully, a great defensive coordinator. But I'm starting to think the entire scope of the game, as a head coach, is too much for him to handle. On that note, anyone else laughing about the NFL giving England a game between the 49ers and Broncos next week? Which team lucked out with losing that home game this year?
Great World Series coming up, folks. Giants/Rangers looks good to me. I hope the fans prove the MLB wrong and watch it. I think this is a better series than if the Phillies or Yankees made it - the Rangers look great and Cliff Lee is, hands down, the best playoff pitcher in the game right now. As for the Giants, I'm glad to see Tim Lincecum in the Series. I look forward to this matchup, which is likely to be a pitching gauntlet all the way through. That's baseball, folks. Just like good football is about defense, good baseball is about pitching. I look forward to this Series matchup and even if you're not a fan of either team, I think Cliff Lee is must-watch TV at this point. On that note, I'm predicting the Rangers in 6.
Meanwhile, in college football, another #1 fell and now Auburn has leapfrogged a few teams to get to the top spot. I have trouble seeing Auburn stay undefeated. As much as I want to see Michigan State up there, I likewise don't think they'll stay undefeated. I think the only team likely to stay on that path is Oregon, which looks like they're in another class entirely from everyone else. What makes this year interesting is that as a new titan falls every week, Boise State or TCU inch closer and closer to a BCS Championship berth, if only because there aren't enough undefeated teams left to keep them out. And good for that! Let's get one of them into the championship because then the argument ends - either they win and prove they belong, or they lose and that will hang over them for the rest of time, insofar as the BCS exists. I've got my fingers crossed that we see one of them in the BCS Championship... hoisting a trophy at the end.
Minnesota Vikings fans should be going after the head of Brad Childress. I've said it since I started living here - "The Tiny General", as a friend of mine refers to him, is not a good coach. He is a systematic coach. As long as the system is working, he looks fine. But when the system cracks or breaks down, he looks like he's at a total loss. At least he was fiery enough after the game to call out Favre, who is playing like a senior citizen. But let's take a look at what I thought was a critical moment in that game, moreso than all three of Favre's picks - and don't get me wrong, I love to villainize Favre at this point in his prolonged career, but he did not break this game to me. But when Childress hung it up with 20 seconds left in the 2nd quarter and 2 timeouts, I thought he gave up the game. In the immortal words of Herm Edwards - "Helloooooo! You play to win the game!" Brad Childress did not play to win the game. You do not give up at the end of the 2nd quarter, not when you have a quarterback who, senior citizen or not, still has a cannon and can throw it up to Randy Moss or Percy Harvin. When you hang it up right there and then, it tells me that you're afraid. It says you don't trust your offense. It says you're not playing to win. It says you're in damage control. Watching Pardon the Interruption today, Michael Wilbon was after Childress and said that if he ran the Vikings, Childress is in his office today and he's telling him that if he ever gives up on a drive like that, he's fired. I can't agree more. What stuns me right now is that the rest of the national media is overlooking this and instead feeding the attention-monger that is Brett Favre. Who is, by the way, as washed up as I've ever thought he is. I can't believe he's happy to be back this season at this point. If the Vikings want to win, they need to bring in T-Jack now and see what he's got, because beyond Childress's inane play-calling, Favre is making too many mistakes at critical moments.
In other coaching news, someone needs to slap Mike Singletary with some reality. I want to like him. I want to see him succeed. He was a great player and I think he could be a good coach. But he's starting to remind me of Rod Marinelli in the 2008 Lions 0-16 campaign. Every week, the same mantra to the press and every week, the same sad result on the field. For him to declare, after losing to the Carolina Panthers, that the 49ers could still make the playoffs, is a statement so steeped in denial that it just blew me away. It might be mathematically true, but that's the case for the Browns, Lions and Panthers too - but their coaches know what they're working with. And while you never want to publicly give up, you still can't pretend things are something they're not. And if you keep losing and keep coming out and saying the same thing, it tells me that you're out of ideas, you're out of tools and you're probably out of a job at the end of the season. Like Marinelli, I think Singletary will make a great LB coach (as he was in San Francisco) or, hopefully, a great defensive coordinator. But I'm starting to think the entire scope of the game, as a head coach, is too much for him to handle. On that note, anyone else laughing about the NFL giving England a game between the 49ers and Broncos next week? Which team lucked out with losing that home game this year?
Great World Series coming up, folks. Giants/Rangers looks good to me. I hope the fans prove the MLB wrong and watch it. I think this is a better series than if the Phillies or Yankees made it - the Rangers look great and Cliff Lee is, hands down, the best playoff pitcher in the game right now. As for the Giants, I'm glad to see Tim Lincecum in the Series. I look forward to this matchup, which is likely to be a pitching gauntlet all the way through. That's baseball, folks. Just like good football is about defense, good baseball is about pitching. I look forward to this Series matchup and even if you're not a fan of either team, I think Cliff Lee is must-watch TV at this point. On that note, I'm predicting the Rangers in 6.
Meanwhile, in college football, another #1 fell and now Auburn has leapfrogged a few teams to get to the top spot. I have trouble seeing Auburn stay undefeated. As much as I want to see Michigan State up there, I likewise don't think they'll stay undefeated. I think the only team likely to stay on that path is Oregon, which looks like they're in another class entirely from everyone else. What makes this year interesting is that as a new titan falls every week, Boise State or TCU inch closer and closer to a BCS Championship berth, if only because there aren't enough undefeated teams left to keep them out. And good for that! Let's get one of them into the championship because then the argument ends - either they win and prove they belong, or they lose and that will hang over them for the rest of time, insofar as the BCS exists. I've got my fingers crossed that we see one of them in the BCS Championship... hoisting a trophy at the end.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 7
Last week was an outstanding 12-2!
That helps rebuild my season total to 54-36.
So let's get to this week's picks - winners in gold.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Cincinnati (2-3) @ Atlanta (4-2)
Washington (3-3) @ Chicago (4-2)
Philadephia (4-2) @ Tennessee (4-2)
Jacksonville (3-3) @ Kansas City (3-2)
Pittsburgh (4-1) @ Miami (3-2)
Cleveland (1-5) @ New Orleans (4-2)
St. Louis (3-3) @ Tampa Bay (3-2)
San Francisco (1-5) @ Carolina (0-5)
Buffalo (0-5) @ Baltimore (4-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Arizona (3-2) @ Seattle (3-2)
New England (4-1) @ San Diego (2-4)
Oakland (2-4) @ Denver (2-4)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (2-3) @ Green Bay (3-3)
Monday Night -
NY Giants (4-2) @ Dallas (1-4)
Byes: Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, NY Jets
This is one of those weeks where it all looks pretty simple - lots of favored home teams who look like sure wins. I hate weeks like this because it means there's always a couple absurd upsets lurking. I like Dallas at home, in a must-win environment on Monday Night. I like Green Bay at home on Sunday Night. I think Denver has to beat Oakland, and should, but that game could go upset... Oakland plays some scrappy ball. St. Louis could beat the Bucs, too, but I think the Bucs are playing very solid fundamental football and that will win you games. I hear Jacksonville is starting Todd Bouman at QB, so if you need a lock this week, take Kansas City. Atlanta is back at home, so they'll win, no problem. Miami hasn't won at home yet this year (they're 0-2 at home, 3-0 on the road) and I think that trend continues against the indomitable-looking Steelers.
That helps rebuild my season total to 54-36.
So let's get to this week's picks - winners in gold.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Cincinnati (2-3) @ Atlanta (4-2)
Washington (3-3) @ Chicago (4-2)
Philadephia (4-2) @ Tennessee (4-2)
Jacksonville (3-3) @ Kansas City (3-2)
Pittsburgh (4-1) @ Miami (3-2)
Cleveland (1-5) @ New Orleans (4-2)
St. Louis (3-3) @ Tampa Bay (3-2)
San Francisco (1-5) @ Carolina (0-5)
Buffalo (0-5) @ Baltimore (4-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Arizona (3-2) @ Seattle (3-2)
New England (4-1) @ San Diego (2-4)
Oakland (2-4) @ Denver (2-4)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (2-3) @ Green Bay (3-3)
Monday Night -
NY Giants (4-2) @ Dallas (1-4)
Byes: Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, NY Jets
This is one of those weeks where it all looks pretty simple - lots of favored home teams who look like sure wins. I hate weeks like this because it means there's always a couple absurd upsets lurking. I like Dallas at home, in a must-win environment on Monday Night. I like Green Bay at home on Sunday Night. I think Denver has to beat Oakland, and should, but that game could go upset... Oakland plays some scrappy ball. St. Louis could beat the Bucs, too, but I think the Bucs are playing very solid fundamental football and that will win you games. I hear Jacksonville is starting Todd Bouman at QB, so if you need a lock this week, take Kansas City. Atlanta is back at home, so they'll win, no problem. Miami hasn't won at home yet this year (they're 0-2 at home, 3-0 on the road) and I think that trend continues against the indomitable-looking Steelers.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The NFL's Big Hits Conundrum
I've waited a few days to update. I was going to on Monday, then on Tuesday, but decided to wait until today. I've been mulling over some thoughts as the NFL has come to the controversial decision to start suspending players who deliver big helmet-leading hits. Many players and former players are outraged. Some say it's about time. There are certainly plenty of opinions floating around about this.
I think that the bottom line about the rule change is this - how will the officials enforce it? Let's remember that it is in the rulebook that you are not supposed to lead with your helmet on a hit. However, this often goes unenforced. My biggest concern - and I think this is what most players are feeling - is how does this impact a defensive player's ability to make a play on the ball? After all, football is a game of impact and most impact is incidental. I dislike the idea of incidental conduct resulting in possible suspensions.
On that note, how funny is it that this is an issue now? The most horrific hit I've ever seen landed was in 2008, when Anquan Boldin was leveled by a NY Jets safety on a helmet-to-helmet hit. The safety was trying to make a play on the ball. So was Boldin. Both were airborne. Boldin went up to catch it; the safety launched himself to get in front of Boldin and perhaps knock down the ball. Boldin, upon making the catch, was drilled from behind by another Jets player - the impact of that hit pushed him into the trajectory of the airborne safety, resulting in a the safety's helmet coming up on the underside of Boldin's jaw, breaking it. This was not his intent. He would have been fine had Boldin not been pushed into his trajectory from another hit. While a horrific impact without a doubt, it was an unintentional play with no intended malice. The player - a second string safety, as I recall - was fined $15,000, a significant amount for a backup. I felt this was undeserved.
So anyway, how come that hit didn't trigger this discussion? Kurt Warner, after that game, openly contemplated retiring then and there, he was so effected by what he saw. Where was the outcry then? The NFL has been profiting on these hits for years. The NFL has encouraged these hits for years. Why the sudden change? I don't think this week was so much worse than any other - yes, the Dunta Robinson hit on DeSean Jackson was brutal (but also incidental, it seemed to me), as were the others, but let's be realistic... they happen every week. So why now? A friend of mine and I were discussing today that hey, it seems convenient that this concern with player health happens to coincide with the push for an 18-game season. Seems very convenient... after all, 18 games will be easier to play with tougher rules on impact, right? Funny, that...
Which brings me to my next point. The NFL has proven one thing to me to this point - it's all about the money. I have no doubt in my mind at this moment that the NFL has virtually no concern for player safety and health, regardless of what they say. The NFL is pushing more games - increased risk. The NFL has been encouraging "big hits" for years. In fact, just today, the NFL was selling pictures of the Brandon Meriweather hit on Todd Heap and of the James Harrison hit on Mohammed Massaquoi on NFL.com. For anywhere from $15-$200 each. Of course, the league apologized profusely once this was noticed by the national media. But let's get real. The NFL is in it for money. End of story. And now that there's enough noise about concussions, I think they're only enforcing their rules to aid their own agenda - the increased revenue of an 18-game season. Mark my words here and now that if these rules do reduce concussion risks, which they ought to, they will use that as fodder to promote the 18-game season and use it as an argument regarding their concern for player health and how the game is now safer for more games.
And remember that the NFL could have changed this anytime with far less hoopla - by simply coming down on the officials to call more helmet-leading hit penalties. But the NFL didn't enforce that, because it was profitable. The true culture of the NFL isn't about the way the rules are written, but how they are enforced on the field by the officials. And really, that's the ultimate question about this - how will the officials enforce these rules now? There is, believe it or not, a chance that this ends up being the biggest non-story of the year, for that reason.
I think that the bottom line about the rule change is this - how will the officials enforce it? Let's remember that it is in the rulebook that you are not supposed to lead with your helmet on a hit. However, this often goes unenforced. My biggest concern - and I think this is what most players are feeling - is how does this impact a defensive player's ability to make a play on the ball? After all, football is a game of impact and most impact is incidental. I dislike the idea of incidental conduct resulting in possible suspensions.
On that note, how funny is it that this is an issue now? The most horrific hit I've ever seen landed was in 2008, when Anquan Boldin was leveled by a NY Jets safety on a helmet-to-helmet hit. The safety was trying to make a play on the ball. So was Boldin. Both were airborne. Boldin went up to catch it; the safety launched himself to get in front of Boldin and perhaps knock down the ball. Boldin, upon making the catch, was drilled from behind by another Jets player - the impact of that hit pushed him into the trajectory of the airborne safety, resulting in a the safety's helmet coming up on the underside of Boldin's jaw, breaking it. This was not his intent. He would have been fine had Boldin not been pushed into his trajectory from another hit. While a horrific impact without a doubt, it was an unintentional play with no intended malice. The player - a second string safety, as I recall - was fined $15,000, a significant amount for a backup. I felt this was undeserved.
So anyway, how come that hit didn't trigger this discussion? Kurt Warner, after that game, openly contemplated retiring then and there, he was so effected by what he saw. Where was the outcry then? The NFL has been profiting on these hits for years. The NFL has encouraged these hits for years. Why the sudden change? I don't think this week was so much worse than any other - yes, the Dunta Robinson hit on DeSean Jackson was brutal (but also incidental, it seemed to me), as were the others, but let's be realistic... they happen every week. So why now? A friend of mine and I were discussing today that hey, it seems convenient that this concern with player health happens to coincide with the push for an 18-game season. Seems very convenient... after all, 18 games will be easier to play with tougher rules on impact, right? Funny, that...
Which brings me to my next point. The NFL has proven one thing to me to this point - it's all about the money. I have no doubt in my mind at this moment that the NFL has virtually no concern for player safety and health, regardless of what they say. The NFL is pushing more games - increased risk. The NFL has been encouraging "big hits" for years. In fact, just today, the NFL was selling pictures of the Brandon Meriweather hit on Todd Heap and of the James Harrison hit on Mohammed Massaquoi on NFL.com. For anywhere from $15-$200 each. Of course, the league apologized profusely once this was noticed by the national media. But let's get real. The NFL is in it for money. End of story. And now that there's enough noise about concussions, I think they're only enforcing their rules to aid their own agenda - the increased revenue of an 18-game season. Mark my words here and now that if these rules do reduce concussion risks, which they ought to, they will use that as fodder to promote the 18-game season and use it as an argument regarding their concern for player health and how the game is now safer for more games.
And remember that the NFL could have changed this anytime with far less hoopla - by simply coming down on the officials to call more helmet-leading hit penalties. But the NFL didn't enforce that, because it was profitable. The true culture of the NFL isn't about the way the rules are written, but how they are enforced on the field by the officials. And really, that's the ultimate question about this - how will the officials enforce these rules now? There is, believe it or not, a chance that this ends up being the biggest non-story of the year, for that reason.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 6
Ouuuuuuuuuuuch. 7-7 again last week. What a brutally unpredictable season it's been so far this year!
That puts me at 42-34 so far. That's drawing closer and closer to .500...
So here we go, winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Seattle (2-2) @ Chicago (4-1)
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Detroit (1-4) @ NY Giants (3-2)
Atlanta (4-1) @ Philadelphia (3-2)
Cleveland (1-4) @ Pittsburgh (3-1)
Miami (2-2) @ Green Bay (3-2)
San Diego (2-3) @ St. Louis (2-3)
New Orleans (3-2) @ Tampa Bay (3-1)
Kansas City (3-1) @ Houston (3-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Oakland (2-3) @ San Francisco (0-5)
NY Jets (4-1) @ Denver (2-3)
Dallas (1-3) @ Minnesota (1-3)
Sunday Night -
Indianapolis (3-2) @ Washington (3-2)
Monday Night -
Tennessee (3-2) @ Jacksonville (3-2)
I almost picked Minnesota over Dallas. Then a friend of mine reminded me of how the Vikings shamelessly ran up the score on Dallas in the playoffs last year... I see this game as serious retribution for the Cowboys and I see them winning it. As in life, as in sports - karma is a bitch. I want to believe in Denver at home, but I can't... I think Denver is a good team and Kyle Orton is playing out of his mind, but the Jets just look solid. I think the Patriots come off their bye without Moss and hit a win... Brady is no stranger to winning without a highlight receiver, but then again, those were in the glory days of the New England defense, too. Like Denver, I want to believe in Atlanta, but the Falcons have always been a better home team... if they're legit contenders, they win this game. I don't think they're there yet. The Giants seem to alternate good stretches with bad stretches and have won their last two decisively; I want to hope they'll drop one to the Lions, who need to end their road losing streak, but with Calvin Johnson likely out, I have trouble believing in the Honolulu Blue and Silver this week.
That puts me at 42-34 so far. That's drawing closer and closer to .500...
So here we go, winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Seattle (2-2) @ Chicago (4-1)
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Detroit (1-4) @ NY Giants (3-2)
Atlanta (4-1) @ Philadelphia (3-2)
Cleveland (1-4) @ Pittsburgh (3-1)
Miami (2-2) @ Green Bay (3-2)
San Diego (2-3) @ St. Louis (2-3)
New Orleans (3-2) @ Tampa Bay (3-1)
Kansas City (3-1) @ Houston (3-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Oakland (2-3) @ San Francisco (0-5)
NY Jets (4-1) @ Denver (2-3)
Dallas (1-3) @ Minnesota (1-3)
Sunday Night -
Indianapolis (3-2) @ Washington (3-2)
Monday Night -
Tennessee (3-2) @ Jacksonville (3-2)
I almost picked Minnesota over Dallas. Then a friend of mine reminded me of how the Vikings shamelessly ran up the score on Dallas in the playoffs last year... I see this game as serious retribution for the Cowboys and I see them winning it. As in life, as in sports - karma is a bitch. I want to believe in Denver at home, but I can't... I think Denver is a good team and Kyle Orton is playing out of his mind, but the Jets just look solid. I think the Patriots come off their bye without Moss and hit a win... Brady is no stranger to winning without a highlight receiver, but then again, those were in the glory days of the New England defense, too. Like Denver, I want to believe in Atlanta, but the Falcons have always been a better home team... if they're legit contenders, they win this game. I don't think they're there yet. The Giants seem to alternate good stretches with bad stretches and have won their last two decisively; I want to hope they'll drop one to the Lions, who need to end their road losing streak, but with Calvin Johnson likely out, I have trouble believing in the Honolulu Blue and Silver this week.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
October is off and running...
A busy October and it's only the 9th! The 2010-11 NHL season has begun, the MLB playoffs have begun, the 2010 NFL season is a quarter over... some big trades have gone down and we already have a Heisman frontrunner in the college football ranks. Let's take a look.
The Likely Reunion
Randy Moss made no secret at the start of the year that he was unhappy having to play for a contract in New England. Probably because he knew, having looked at how Bill Belicheck and the Patriots do business, that his services were not going to be retained after the year. Whether he became a cancer in the locker room or not, we'll never know. But something was definitely amiss for the Patriots to unload him for a 3rd-round draft pick - especially to a team they have on their schedule. But make no mistake - the Patriots think they're better off and if there's any team that can be successful spreading the ball around to a group of mostly-unknown receivers, it's the Patriots. They won a Super Bowl that way. Meanwhile, Moss becomes an immediate upgrade to a reeling Vikings team. Say what you like about the reasons why, but Favre is struggling mightily. Maybe it's age, maybe it's unfamiliarity with his receiving corps. What I see is an older quarterback who can still heave it, but needs help. Part of what made Sidney Rice so important was that he had a guy who was physically dominant and could go get the ball when he chucked it up there. No one on the current Vikings roster can do that - until now. And I imagine every quarterback feels more comfortable with a guy he knows will actively go get the ball and doesn't need it thrown between the numbers each time. And for only a 3rd-round pick? The Vikings definitely got the better part of the deal. But make no mistake - this also means Favre has no excuses now. He's got his guy - he's clamored to play with Moss for years. If he continues to struggle, it's firmly on his shoulders alone now.
The Best of the Mediocre?
Much has been noted this week about how parity reigns this year in the NFL - most teams are 2-2. There is only one undefeated. There are only four winless. Moreso than any other year recently, it is hard to pick winners. Teams that seem reliable drop easy wins. Teams that look hopeless pick up wins. I've seen several games where the dominant team somehow loses. It's been an odd start to the season, but make no mistake - it keeps things exciting. There are a lot of teams that are better than their records, I think. Many divisions are going to be wide open past the halfway mark of the season. Buckle up, folks, because this is going to be a crazier year than any of us thought. But I will tell you this - the class of the league is in the AFC. Baltimore, Pittsburgh and the NY Jets all look poised to smoke anyone in their way. As far as the NFC goes, I was high on Green Bay, but they're not impressing and, quite frankly, there's no team stepping up and crushing their competition the way the Steelers, Jets or Ravens are in the AFC.
Thank you, Atlanta Braves...
For actually giving us an MLB LDS series worth watching. Seeing the Yankees dominate the Twins yet again has been unspeakably disheartening, since this looked like the Twins' year and they should be taking advantage of homefield, well, advantage, but they didn't and now they continue to prove their postseason ineptitude against the Yankees. The Rays are similarly playing letdown baseball against a Rangers team that I, personally, don't think is better. The Phillies are dominating the Reds, but that's no surprise to me. Meanwhile, the Braves are thankfully putting on a series against the Giants - perhaps the most even matchup of the playoffs so far. Personally, if the Twins lose, I'm rooting for the Braves, because how sweet would it be to see Bobby Cox win another World Series as he walks off into the sunset? Still, right now though, I wonder if anyone can really beat the Phillies.
Can the Spartans tie up Shoelace?
The marquee college football matchup of the weekend is, unquestionably, Michigan State vs. Michigan. No, this isn't home bias on my part. Well, maybe a little. But make no mistake - Denard Robinson is the most electric player in college football right now, but he also hasn't faced a serious defense yet. He will today against Michigan State. Until now, he's separated himself by leaps and bounds from the rest of the pack insofar as the Heisman race goes - he's accomplishing feats that are simply unbelievable. But the question remains, can he do it against a credible defensive unit? While this game isn't likely to have huge bearing on who plays in the BCS Championship in January, it will be an entertaining matchup between two unbeatens in an in-state rivalry game and it is a huge benchmark game for Denard "Shoelace" Robinson. If he can light up the Spartan defense, I say the Heisman race ends today.
And the NHL season begins...
And it already seems like a season to remember. In the first night of play, we had the first fight of the year, in which Steve MacIntyre of the Oilers knocked out Raitis Ivanans of the Flames with a blow that, reportedly, might have resulted in some brain damage (Ivanans had to be helped off the ice). In the second night of play, the Atlanta Thrashers' goalie, Ondrej Pavelec collapsed unexpectedly while play was stopped at the other end of the ice. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Red Wings notched a most dominant win, 4-0 against the Anaheim Ducks. In a most remarkable way to start the year, the Wings see Jimmy Howard notch a shutout in the first game of the year, see hometown newcomer Mike Modano score a goal on his first shot in the Red and White, and see one of their best players - Pavel Datsyuk - record a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight), a rather unlikely event for a man who's won four straight Lady Byng Trophies (for sportsmanship). As coach Mike Babcock and fellow star Henrik Zetterburg joked after the game, it probably won't be a fifth straight this year now. I've said it since the Wings signed Modano - the magic is with this team this year and Friday night's win to open the season has not changed my mind. Lord Stanley's Cup is coming back to Detroit in 2011.
The Likely Reunion
Randy Moss made no secret at the start of the year that he was unhappy having to play for a contract in New England. Probably because he knew, having looked at how Bill Belicheck and the Patriots do business, that his services were not going to be retained after the year. Whether he became a cancer in the locker room or not, we'll never know. But something was definitely amiss for the Patriots to unload him for a 3rd-round draft pick - especially to a team they have on their schedule. But make no mistake - the Patriots think they're better off and if there's any team that can be successful spreading the ball around to a group of mostly-unknown receivers, it's the Patriots. They won a Super Bowl that way. Meanwhile, Moss becomes an immediate upgrade to a reeling Vikings team. Say what you like about the reasons why, but Favre is struggling mightily. Maybe it's age, maybe it's unfamiliarity with his receiving corps. What I see is an older quarterback who can still heave it, but needs help. Part of what made Sidney Rice so important was that he had a guy who was physically dominant and could go get the ball when he chucked it up there. No one on the current Vikings roster can do that - until now. And I imagine every quarterback feels more comfortable with a guy he knows will actively go get the ball and doesn't need it thrown between the numbers each time. And for only a 3rd-round pick? The Vikings definitely got the better part of the deal. But make no mistake - this also means Favre has no excuses now. He's got his guy - he's clamored to play with Moss for years. If he continues to struggle, it's firmly on his shoulders alone now.
The Best of the Mediocre?
Much has been noted this week about how parity reigns this year in the NFL - most teams are 2-2. There is only one undefeated. There are only four winless. Moreso than any other year recently, it is hard to pick winners. Teams that seem reliable drop easy wins. Teams that look hopeless pick up wins. I've seen several games where the dominant team somehow loses. It's been an odd start to the season, but make no mistake - it keeps things exciting. There are a lot of teams that are better than their records, I think. Many divisions are going to be wide open past the halfway mark of the season. Buckle up, folks, because this is going to be a crazier year than any of us thought. But I will tell you this - the class of the league is in the AFC. Baltimore, Pittsburgh and the NY Jets all look poised to smoke anyone in their way. As far as the NFC goes, I was high on Green Bay, but they're not impressing and, quite frankly, there's no team stepping up and crushing their competition the way the Steelers, Jets or Ravens are in the AFC.
Thank you, Atlanta Braves...
For actually giving us an MLB LDS series worth watching. Seeing the Yankees dominate the Twins yet again has been unspeakably disheartening, since this looked like the Twins' year and they should be taking advantage of homefield, well, advantage, but they didn't and now they continue to prove their postseason ineptitude against the Yankees. The Rays are similarly playing letdown baseball against a Rangers team that I, personally, don't think is better. The Phillies are dominating the Reds, but that's no surprise to me. Meanwhile, the Braves are thankfully putting on a series against the Giants - perhaps the most even matchup of the playoffs so far. Personally, if the Twins lose, I'm rooting for the Braves, because how sweet would it be to see Bobby Cox win another World Series as he walks off into the sunset? Still, right now though, I wonder if anyone can really beat the Phillies.
Can the Spartans tie up Shoelace?
The marquee college football matchup of the weekend is, unquestionably, Michigan State vs. Michigan. No, this isn't home bias on my part. Well, maybe a little. But make no mistake - Denard Robinson is the most electric player in college football right now, but he also hasn't faced a serious defense yet. He will today against Michigan State. Until now, he's separated himself by leaps and bounds from the rest of the pack insofar as the Heisman race goes - he's accomplishing feats that are simply unbelievable. But the question remains, can he do it against a credible defensive unit? While this game isn't likely to have huge bearing on who plays in the BCS Championship in January, it will be an entertaining matchup between two unbeatens in an in-state rivalry game and it is a huge benchmark game for Denard "Shoelace" Robinson. If he can light up the Spartan defense, I say the Heisman race ends today.
And the NHL season begins...
And it already seems like a season to remember. In the first night of play, we had the first fight of the year, in which Steve MacIntyre of the Oilers knocked out Raitis Ivanans of the Flames with a blow that, reportedly, might have resulted in some brain damage (Ivanans had to be helped off the ice). In the second night of play, the Atlanta Thrashers' goalie, Ondrej Pavelec collapsed unexpectedly while play was stopped at the other end of the ice. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Red Wings notched a most dominant win, 4-0 against the Anaheim Ducks. In a most remarkable way to start the year, the Wings see Jimmy Howard notch a shutout in the first game of the year, see hometown newcomer Mike Modano score a goal on his first shot in the Red and White, and see one of their best players - Pavel Datsyuk - record a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight), a rather unlikely event for a man who's won four straight Lady Byng Trophies (for sportsmanship). As coach Mike Babcock and fellow star Henrik Zetterburg joked after the game, it probably won't be a fifth straight this year now. I've said it since the Wings signed Modano - the magic is with this team this year and Friday night's win to open the season has not changed my mind. Lord Stanley's Cup is coming back to Detroit in 2011.
Pierce's Picks - Week 5
I didn't have time last week to do a Recap, so I'll just leave it at this - I was a rough 7-7 again last week.
That puts me at 35-27 for the season.
Gold remains the color used to denote winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Jacksonville (2-2) @ Buffalo (0-4)
Tampa Bay (2-1) @ Cincinnati (2-2)
Atlanta (3-1) @ Cleveland (1-3)
St. Louis (2-2) @ Detroit (0-4)
Kansas City (3-0) @ Indianapolis (2-2)
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Chicago (3-1) @ Carolina (0-4)
Denver (2-2) @ Baltimore (3-1)
NY Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
New Orleans (3-1) @ Arizona (2-2)
San Diego (2-2) @ Oakland (1-3)
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Monday Night -
Minnesota (1-2) @ NY Jets (3-1)
Byes -
Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle
So a couple words on my picks - I like Carolina to get an unlikely win against the Todd Collins Show; I don't like Chicago and I like them less without Cutler. I think San Francisco can beat the Kolb-led Eagles. Randy Moss adds a lot to the Vikings, but not enough to beat a team that's better at every position. If Kansas City were hosting Indianapolis, I'd be all over picking them to win... on that note, if you look at ESPN's Eliminator Challenge, 28% of participants are locked into the Colts beating the last unbeaten team... I'm not that confident in that pick, not by a longshot. I think Cincy is overrated and Tampa is underrated, plus I think most teams play with a boost coming out of their bye. The Lions have to win this week at home or I think all of their offseason momentum evaporates and it just becomes another ho-hum year of struggling to be mediocre.
That puts me at 35-27 for the season.
Gold remains the color used to denote winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Jacksonville (2-2) @ Buffalo (0-4)
Tampa Bay (2-1) @ Cincinnati (2-2)
Atlanta (3-1) @ Cleveland (1-3)
St. Louis (2-2) @ Detroit (0-4)
Kansas City (3-0) @ Indianapolis (2-2)
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Chicago (3-1) @ Carolina (0-4)
Denver (2-2) @ Baltimore (3-1)
NY Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
New Orleans (3-1) @ Arizona (2-2)
San Diego (2-2) @ Oakland (1-3)
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Monday Night -
Minnesota (1-2) @ NY Jets (3-1)
Byes -
Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle
So a couple words on my picks - I like Carolina to get an unlikely win against the Todd Collins Show; I don't like Chicago and I like them less without Cutler. I think San Francisco can beat the Kolb-led Eagles. Randy Moss adds a lot to the Vikings, but not enough to beat a team that's better at every position. If Kansas City were hosting Indianapolis, I'd be all over picking them to win... on that note, if you look at ESPN's Eliminator Challenge, 28% of participants are locked into the Colts beating the last unbeaten team... I'm not that confident in that pick, not by a longshot. I think Cincy is overrated and Tampa is underrated, plus I think most teams play with a boost coming out of their bye. The Lions have to win this week at home or I think all of their offseason momentum evaporates and it just becomes another ho-hum year of struggling to be mediocre.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 4
Last week was a rough 7-9.
On the season, I'm at 28-20.
We'll keep with the gold color for marking winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
San Francisco (0-3) @ Atlanta (2-1)
NY Jets (2-1) @ Buffalo (0-3)
Cincinnati (2-1) @ Cleveland (0-3)
Detroit (0-3) @ Green Bay (2-1)
Denver (1-2) @ Tennessee (2-1)
Seattle (2-1) @ St. Louis (1-2)
Carolina (0-3) @ New Orleans (2-1)
Baltimore (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (3-0)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Indianapolis (2-1) @ Jacksonville (1-2)
Houston (2-1) @ Oakland (1-2)
Arizona (2-1) @ San Diego (1-2)
Washington (1-2) @ Philadelphia (2-1)
Sunday Night -
Chicago (3-0) @ NY Giants (1-2)
Monday Night -
New England (2-1) @ Miami (2-1)
Byes -
Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
I like to think this might be the week my Lions get an unlikely victory that shocks the world, but that's probably not happening and I'm not betting on it. If Pittsburgh can beat Baltimore and start 4-0 without Big Ben, that team earns my vote of confidence as the most dominant team in the NFL through the first quarter of the season. The Bears might go 4-0 also, but they're winning with luck as much as anything, although the weakness of their schedule going forward might propel them even higher yet. A lot of teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, Giants and Broncos could use victories this week to help even out their records or regain some semblance of respect, but I have trouble thinking it's going to happen.
On the season, I'm at 28-20.
We'll keep with the gold color for marking winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
San Francisco (0-3) @ Atlanta (2-1)
NY Jets (2-1) @ Buffalo (0-3)
Cincinnati (2-1) @ Cleveland (0-3)
Detroit (0-3) @ Green Bay (2-1)
Denver (1-2) @ Tennessee (2-1)
Seattle (2-1) @ St. Louis (1-2)
Carolina (0-3) @ New Orleans (2-1)
Baltimore (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (3-0)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Indianapolis (2-1) @ Jacksonville (1-2)
Houston (2-1) @ Oakland (1-2)
Arizona (2-1) @ San Diego (1-2)
Washington (1-2) @ Philadelphia (2-1)
Sunday Night -
Chicago (3-0) @ NY Giants (1-2)
Monday Night -
New England (2-1) @ Miami (2-1)
Byes -
Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
I like to think this might be the week my Lions get an unlikely victory that shocks the world, but that's probably not happening and I'm not betting on it. If Pittsburgh can beat Baltimore and start 4-0 without Big Ben, that team earns my vote of confidence as the most dominant team in the NFL through the first quarter of the season. The Bears might go 4-0 also, but they're winning with luck as much as anything, although the weakness of their schedule going forward might propel them even higher yet. A lot of teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, Giants and Broncos could use victories this week to help even out their records or regain some semblance of respect, but I have trouble thinking it's going to happen.
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